Quick Facts on Santino

Characteristics of Santino

Inspirational

Highly Intuitive

Spiritual Teacher

Extremely Bright

Uplifting

Truth-seeker

Etymology & Historical Origin - Santino

Santino is the Italian pet form of Santo, the Italian word for “saint” (from the Latin “sanctus” meaning “sacred, saint”). As a diminutive form, Santino essentially means “little saint”. It’s unclear how common this name is in Italy or when it started circulating as a masculine given name, but we do know that Americans were introduced to it in Mario Puzo’s 1969 novel “The Godfather” about the Sicilian Mafia family Corleone. Santino “Sonny” Corleone is the oldest of Don Corleone’s three sons (played by James Caan in the 1972 film adaptation). Ironically, as the most brazen and violent of the brothers, Santino Corleone was far from being a “little saint” (although he does have a soft side that rears its saintly self on occasion). Santino is occasionally used in the United States but it’s currently most popular in Argentina.

Popularity of the Name Santino

This saintly name flew from the heavens and landed a spot on the American male naming charts for the first time in 2002. It appears that “The Godfather” novel and movies did little to persuade American parents to take up this name 40+ years ago. It’s unclear what spurred on its sudden usage now that we’re in the 21st century. We’re guessing it has something to do with an emerging trend favoring Italian names. American parents who want to honor their Italian heritage or those who just appreciate the flavors of Italy are naming their “bambinos” Leonardo, Sergio, Giovanni, Dante, Orlando, Romeo, Gianni, Marco, Rocco and Nico. Santino is another Italian charmer recently added to this illustrious list. And we have to agree, there’s something quaintly sweet about naming your son “little saint”. Let’s just hope that’s what you get!

Popularity of the Boy Name Santino

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Cultural References to the Baby Name - Santino

Literary Characters of the Baby Name Santino

Santino “Sonny” Corleone (The Godfather) Santino “Sonny” Corleone is the oldest son of Don Vito Corleone in Mario Puzo’s 1969 bestseller, The Godfather, which provided the basis of the 1972 major motion picture by Francis Ford Coppola (followed by sequels in 1974 and 1990). Our idea of Sonny is brilliantly captured by James Caan in the role; he is as good-looking, entitled, cocky and brash as we had come to picture him. As the heir apparent to the don, Santino takes his role in the family very seriously. He is a good (if unfaithful) husband and father and loyal supporter of his father. Naturally, adhering to the romantic notion that the Mafia are merely “family” men, Santino is a soft spot when it comes to women and children, which serves his childishly brutal brother-in-law well for a while. Santino is also the reason why the family consigliere, Tom Hagen, had been adopted into the family as a boy. All this notwithstanding, Santino is ever ready to hold up the family’s honor and finances, and no act of violence is too dramatic for him to eschew in this pursuit. It all comes full circle for him while he is acting don; the opposing gangster Barzini’s men ambush him at a toll booth and riddle his body with bullets. And we, the audience, feel true sorrow along with Vito Corleone when he says: “Look how they massacred my boy.”

Popular Songs on Santino

Santino - We cannot find any popular or well-known songs featuring the name Santino.

Children's Books on the Baby Name Santino

Santino - We cannot find any children’s books featuring a character named Santino.

Santino - Boy Baby Name - Historic Figures

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Personality of the Boy Name Santino

The number 11 is a Master Number, and embodies heightened traits of the Two. This personality is on a life journey to find spiritual truth. They are extremely idealistic and intuitive. Elevens have a rare and exceptional spiritual energy that brings a sense of obligation to illuminate the world around them. It's a very powerful responsibility, but these people have far more potential than they know. It's important that they surrender to higher ideals. They have the capacity to see the bigger picture, and they possess the skills to inspire others spiritually. Elevens have strong diplomatic skills and can become great peacemakers. Master numbers can be both a blessing and a curse, as they walk the fine line between greatness and the potential for self-destruction.